Natya Krama Slokas: Important Rule for Dance

In dance, the body limbs are classified as Anga, Pratyanga and Upaanga. The body limbs are used differently when expressing a particular bhava.

• 6 Angas comprise of : Chest, Waist, Bottom, Hands, Head, Legs. Some experts include the neck as well.

• 6 Pratyangas : Thighs, Knees, Shoulders, Arms, Stomach. Some experts include the wrists, elbows and ankles as well.

• 12 Upaangas : Glance, Eyebrows, Eyelids, Eyeballs, Cheeks, Nose, Gums, Lips, Teeth, Tongue, Chin, Face. Some experts include the heels, fingers, feet and palms as well.

Slokam 1:

Asyenaalambayeth geetham

Hasthenartham pradarsayeth

Chaksurbhyam Drishyeth bhavam

Paathabhyam Thalamachareth

Translation:

The song is sung from throat

Hands express the meaning

Eyes depicts emotions

The feet moves according to thalam.

Slokam 2:

Yetho Hasta Thatho Drishti

Yetho Drishtis Thatho Manah

Yetho Manas Thatho Baavo

Yetho Baavas Thatho Rasah

Translation:

Wherever the hand goes, the eyes follow

Wherever the eyes go, the mind follows

When the mind is engaged, expression results

Where there is expression, there is beauty.